Lead researcher position in Heart-Brain Link

Preserving, restoring, or improving human cardio–neurovascular health represents a major global public health challenge. Aging, chronic stress, metabolic disorders, and lifestyle factors contribute to a concomitant increase in cardiovascular diseases and neurological impairments. It is now well established that the heart and the brain are bidirectionally connected through anatomical (autonomic nervous system), functional (neuroendocrine and neuroimmune axes), and molecular pathways. This interconnection plays a central role in regulating metabolism, cardiac function, stress responses, and cognitive and emotional behaviours. Dysregulation of the heart–brain axis is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in numerous conditions, including depression associated with heart failure, post-stroke cognitive decline, and psychiatric disorders associated with cardiac arrhythmias. The role of the sympathetic nervous system, the impact of peripherally derived cytokines on brain function, and the effects of chronic stress on cardiovascular function all illustrate this continuous inter-organ dialogue. Despite its importance, these interactions remain insufficiently explored at the experimental and pathophysiological levels, particularly within integrative frameworks. Understanding these bidirectional interactions opens new perspectives, including: – Development of heart–brain biomarkers (electrophysiological, inflammatory, behavioural) – Integrative therapeutic approaches (neuromodulation, interventions targeting the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, cross-prevention of cardiac and mental disorders) – Experimental modelling and mechanistic exploration of heart–brain circuits.

The teaching project aims to structure coherent educational activities centered around animal physiology, with a particular emphasis on the heart–brain interface and small vessel diseases. The candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching programs (Life Sciences, Neurosciences, Health) at the University of Bordeaux, as well as to research-based teaching and tutorials linked to Inserm U1034 and IHU VBHI. These activities include the MD–PhD program of Bordeaux University Hospital, Inserm School programs, IHU student engagement initiatives, the Cajal Conference series, and the Neurepiomics Summer School.